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statchmo
Reviews
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Vastly Entertaining ... Equally Disappointing
First things first, "Prince Caspian" is great entertainment, taken strictly as a movie, on its own merits. It moves fast, combines action, adventure, humor, and even a little romance, and feels much shorter than its 2-hour length.
On the downside, the screenwriters have dramatically changed the storyline and some of the characters, making this movie only very loosely based on C.S. Lewis' novel of the same name.
I'm not a purist when it comes to adapting books for the screen, but for me "Prince Caspian" goes too far afield from the original material in the name of hitting easy plot points.
My major issues with the movie are the changes to Peter's character in particular. The faithful and noble Peter from the books is gone, replaced by a rebellious, unhappy, contentious teenager with a chip on his shoulder. Lewis' Peter would not have rolled around in the subway tunnel in a wrestling match with other schoolboys, not would he have knocked heads in a power struggle with Prince Caspian in Narnia. The nonsensical "let's storm the castle" plot line from the movie is a distraction and a time-waster. For this we are denied some of the most wonderful scenes in the book, namely those with Aslan, Susan, Lucy, plus Bacchus and his gang? I was really disappointed with the direction the writers and director chose to take this movie, but in the end, I have to admit that the movie entertains, and the faithful viewers are thrown a few bones in the conversations between Aslan and Lucy and the appearance of one of Lewis' best-loved characters, Reepicheep.
As for the criticism that the movie is too dark and violent, on the contrary I found it much less disturbing than the first -- if the knife-wielding White Witch slaughtering Aslan on the Stone Table didn't get you in the first movie, I don't know why anything in "Prince Caspian" would be a problem.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)
Not for the Weak-Minded
Interesting how many of those who have rated the movie 1 star have either not seen it, or can only offer pedantic arguments about evolution vs. intelligent design/creationism ... which is NOT what this movie is about.
Stein clearly states at the beginning and end of the movie that his concern here is for FREEDOM. America was founded on freedom of thought, opinion, etc., but in the scientific community, that freedom is being threatened.
Is there some irony in the fact that many who will criticize this movie most vociferously would almost certainly berate the current administration out of the other side of their mouths for "infringements" on personal liberties through actions such as wiretapping, the Patriot Act, or other counter-terrorism measures? In addition I daresay many who here have so rabidly declared "Expelled" to be nothing but "propaganda" would never say such a thing were the filmmaker, oh, I don't know .. say MICHAEL MOORE ... and the subject matter one of their pet causes.
This movie is not so much about what you believe, as the threat to your freedom to express those beliefs. It is by turns humorous, inspirational, and devastating.
Highly recommended.
Labyrinth (1986)
What a Strange Little Movie
I admit it. I am amazed at the outpouring of devotion for this movie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I saw this in the theatres way back when; I was a teenager and became entranced w/Bowie. I *loved* this movie. I wore out the soundtrack (vinyl, thankyouverymuch). When I rented it a few years back for another look, I was rather dismayed at how poorly it had aged. I found the puppets to be silly and cheap-looking, and Bowie made me cringe. Still...it has its moments and I will certainly have my kids watch it when they're a little older. Good for kids, though adults may wince as much as they grin. One of those better moments...check out the expression on Bowie/Jareth's face when the girl tells him: "you have no power over me." And love the bow to Escher.
The Thing Called Love (1993)
Strange, But Likeable
I originally sought out this movie strictly because of River Phoenix's presence in it. Strange to say, he is the least of the reasons to like it. Sadly, he seems both out of place, and out in space. Too bad, because I think he is the weak link in what might have been a much better movie, had he been in any condition to lend his considerable talents to the proceedings. Still, I find this movie strangely enjoyable. Mathis, Mulroney, and Bullock are all incredibly appealing, as are the music and surroundings. And even though River's performance seems oddly hollow, you can't deny the chemistry between him and Mathis, nor take your eyes off of River when he's on the screen.
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Big Time Stinker.....Don't Waste Your Time
Without a doubt one of the dumbest movies I have ever had the misfortune to see. Only thing more offensive than the idiotic storyline, gratuitous nudity/sex, & excruciatingly slow pace was the sight of all that money up on the screen (Pacino, Reeves, monstrously luxurious sets) being wasted. After the first 20 minutes, I was ready to turn the damn thing off. I managed to stick it out for another hour before I resorted to the fast forward button. How could actors of Pacino & Reeves' calibre be sucked into something this bad? At least Pacino looked like he was enjoying himself; Reeves' continual expression could only be interpreted as "what the hell am I doing in this lame-ass movie?" And the ending...! Well, suffice it to say that we've all seen it before---on "Dallas" & other low-rent t.v. shows. Dumb, dumb, dumb. This movie's worst sin?---it's not even entertaining.